**Photo credit to my cousin Karishma: Best.Card.Ever!!**
I think I’ve made it pretty clear on my blog that running is one of my favorite forms of exercise. Everytime I take off my trainers, I want to bottle up that feeling of achievement and endorphins. As much as I love the sport, here are some factoids about my ‘relationship’ with running:
- I have never signed up for a race
- I don’t have a burning desire in me to run a marathon (42 km)
- I take walk breaks if I’m not feelin’ it
- I don’t have a formal running schedule (Yasso’s—> say whaaat 😯)
- Other than running shorts, I don’t own specific running attire (I run in the same t-shirt that I slept in)
- I don’t own a Garmin
- My ‘long’ runs don’t tend to be longer than 10 km
Besides all that, I still consider myself a runner. That’s right: runner NOT jogger. The J-word actually makes me cringe. I read something ridiculous that the difference between a runner and jogger is speed: anything above 10 km/h warrants ‘runner’ status. If you ask me, the term jogger is a derogatory label given to someone who lacks speed, endurance, and/or form.
Running is so much more than semantics: it’s a state of mind and having the confidence to call yourself one. Whether you can run one kilometer or 20, at 8km/h or 15km/h, you’re a runner as soon as you strap on your shoes. That’s the best part about running: it’s all relative. YOU are YOUR own benchmark. Even though Paula Radcliffe could run circles around me, I am still pretty fast compared to this time last year…or even 6 months ago. As long as you are propelling forward and make an effort to push your legs to go five steps more or five kilometers more, you are a runner. For those of you who don’t think you can run, give yourself more credit. To get you started, here are my tips to ease into running. My personal disclaimer: it’s addictive!
Just remember one thing: no matter how little/slow you are running, you’re still lapping everyone sitting down…
Do you enjoy running? If so, do you consider yourself a ‘runner’?
yeah i do! and i hateeeee the word joggin too! its running!
I’m not a runner. I do it because it’s good for me not because I love the experience. I love this post, I’ve never really looked at running this way. I suppose the goal has and always will be pushing yourself a little more each time!
Definitely- running is one of those things which no can ever be ‘too good’ at!
This is a great perspective on running. Personally I don’t mind if I am referred to as a runner or a jogger. Actually now that I think about it, I quite like the words jogging and jogger. When I was not in shape a few years ago, I used to think it would be cool to be able to go jogging.
gah as usual, u want to contradict me ha ha ha
Um yeah Khush, 10km is a lot. Seriously. Max I do is like…1.7. No joke. I should work on that 🙂
And Karishma is quite talented, what a lovely card!
That’s 1.7 km more than if you didn’t put your trainers on – not too shabby 😀
Love this post! And I am the same with all of your listed points! ‘jogging’ = barely raised heart rate, although I’m sure it is still effective…but I probably walk faster than I would jog hehe. The ‘you are your own benchmark’ saying is spot on girly! I wouldn’t say I am a runner but I enjoy running and can run well…but it gets sort of boring doing more than 5k ;p Oh and your cousin is so savvy with the card!! Happy birthday! xx
Awesome card 😀
I am super slow, but I still call myself a runner. I mean come on we call them running races not jogging races, right?!
I love how your cousin added your picture on the magazine cover.
Hahaha love that card…I wish I had a cousin my age!! Yes, I’m Indian and have only one cousin…apparently it’s strange.
Great post! By “definition” I would be a jogger, by this post, I’m a runner and that makes me happy 🙂
U remind me of myself when I was 17 when I used to run at my pace to maintain my weight. I did this till 1988. After that I only walk at my pace as I had my bypass surgery. I must say that I am really impressed with ur attitude n hope u will keep keep running n eating to have the great body which have shown on the cover of the magazine. Is that really you? If so then u r great. Keep it up
What a great post! I think anyone who enjoys running deserves to call themselves a runner! You’re doing great, keep it up!
Oh and even though I’ve run several races, I don’t have a Garmin either. Us Garmin-less girls gotta stick together!
Great post KT! Love the card your cousin made for you! I have always had a hate/love relationship with running but for the last two years I have thoroughly started to enjoy it. I think I can finally call myself a ‘runner’ 🙂